[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1025]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO NIALL O'SHEA AND THE UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP 
                                PROGRAM

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 6, 2012

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, for decades the United States has worked 
closely with Australia on issues of great importance to our two 
nations. Australia has stood out among the international community as a 
friend of the United States and remains one of our closest allies 
today. Thirteen years ago, a program was launched to place Australian 
students in offices in our Nation's Capital. Since that time, the Uni-
Capitol Washington Internship Program has delivered to the United 
States some of Australia's best and brightest to serve as interns in a 
variety of federal agencies, congressional offices and committees.
  When the opportunity arose again to participate in the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Program, I immediately agreed to welcome another 
Australian ``ambassador.'' This is my third time hosting an intern from 
the program, and once again my office and I have been pleased with the 
positive contributions of Niall O'Shea, who was placed in our office. 
He has attended meetings and briefings, assisted my staff with various 
research initiatives, and helped serve my constituents of the Second 
District of Connecticut. His impeccable and clipped Australian accent 
is a real treat for visitors and callers from Connecticut whom he has 
interacted with. Niall's participation in this program has provided him 
with new opportunities and experiences that only the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Program could provide. While in the program Niall 
has attended events at the Australian Embassy and listened to speakers 
from the State Department. A well-rounded college student, Niall will 
be receiving a dual Bachelor degree in law and art when he graduates 
from the University of Western Australia.
  Many of my colleagues have also been privileged to welcome students 
like Niall to their offices. This year, 12 students from all across 
Australia are serving in offices in Washington, helping foster a new 
generation of understanding and shared experiences between our two 
nations. Launched by former Congressional staffer Eric Federing, The 
Uni-Capitol Washington Internship program has now delivered 130 
Australian student interns over the past 13 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I would encourage all of my colleagues to open their 
doors to students from around the world so that they can share in our 
great democracy. Similarly, I would encourage American university 
students to seek established and creative ways to connect with their 
counterparts around the globe. I ask my colleagues to join with me in 
recognizing the contributions of the Uni-Capitol Internship Program and 
to once more thank Niall O'Shea for his dedication and hard work.

                          ____________________